Presentation Providing an Update on the Veterans Affairs Project at Alameda Point by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Administration. (Base Reuse/Economic Development)

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To:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On October 2, 2018, the City Council directed staff to send a letter to the Department of Veterans Affairs asking for specific actions to be taken to show progress on the VA Project (outpatient clinic, administrative offices, and columbarium) at Alameda Point. As part of the Council’s request for an update on the VA project, VA staff has agreed to make a presentation at the Council’s December 4, 2018 meeting.

BACKGROUND

In 1997, the former Naval Air Station Alameda (NAS Alameda) was selected for closure as part of the 1993 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. In 2000, the Alameda Reuse and Redevelopment Authority (ARRA) and the Department of the Navy (Navy) entered into an Economic Development Conveyance Memorandum of Agreement (EDC MOA) which authorized a no-cost conveyance of major portions of the NAS Alameda (referred to as Alameda Point).

In 2012, the City agreed to transfer 72 acres of open space at Alameda Point to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a planned VA clinic in exchange for certain infrastructure improvements.

In June 2014, the Navy transferred approximately 624 acres of former runways at Alameda Point to the VA to construct a $200 million facility that would include an outpatient clinic, administrative offices, and a columbarium (VA Project) on the property. Of the 624 acres, approximately 112 acres will serve the needs of the veterans throughout the Bay Area, and the balance of approximately 511 acres are to remain undeveloped and be reserved for the long-term conservation of the endangered Least Tern.

In 2016, the VA Project received an over $70 million appropriation from the United States Congress. In October 2017, the United States Army Corps of Engineers was designated to serve as project manager for the VA Project.

DISCUSSION

On October 2, 2018, the City Council directed staff to send a letter to the VA asking for specific actions to be taken to show progress on the project (Exhibit 1). In addition to the letter requesting specific information about the VA Project’s progress, tonight’s presentation by representatives from the VA will provide an update on the project and an opportunity to answer questions about the VA Project. The VA’s presentation is attached as Exhibit 2.

FINANACIAL IMPACT

There is no financial impact related to the presentation of this item. This is for information only.

MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE

The presentation by the VA has no policy or municipal code cross reference.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW

There are no environmental impacts associated with the presentation by the VA. This report is for information only.